City approves first reading rezoning for Park Road master development plan

Hollywood City Commission on March 19 approved on first reading an ordinance rezoning about 22 acres at the northwest corner of South Park Road and Pembroke Road from Government Use (GU) to Planned Development (PD) as part of the Park Road Master Development Plan.

The move — recommended by city staff — passed on a 7-0 roll call vote after a public hearing and brief public comment. Vice Mayor Quintana made the motion to approve; Commissioner Gruber seconded. Mayor Josh Levy presided.

Andrea Winget, Director of Development Services, told the commission the rezoning implements the master plan approved earlier and creates entitlements for a mixed‑use buildout that will include residential, office and commercial spaces, walking paths and stormwater features. Winget said the area being rezoned is roughly 22 acres and that a separate portion of the larger site, holding public utilities, will remain zoned GU. The plan envisions two phases: a southern commercial/office phase followed by residential development to the north.

A pair of minor modifications requested in the master plan were noted by staff: a parking reduction for commercial/office uses tied to an internal capture assumption, and a reduction in a 25‑foot street setback typical of the city’s urban plan developments. Winget said the parking reduction amounts to about 19–20 fewer spaces overall as the project is built, relying on internal capture among mixed uses. Staff recommended approval with standard conditions including unity of title and requirements to maintain private areas and coordinate future site plan changes.

Anne Ralston, a resident who spoke during the public hearing, urged caution about added traffic, calling South Park Road already “a traffic nightmare” and asking the commission to consider effects if multiple high‑rise buildings are constructed in the area.

After the vote, Mayor Levy said the ordinance passed on first reading 7‑0. The item will return for second reading; Winget reminded the commission that site plan and design elements will come back for more detailed review at second reading.

Why it matters: Rezoning converts government‑owned property into a plan development framework that establishes what kinds of buildings and uses can be constructed, and it begins the process that will allow commercial and residential development on the Park Road site.

Next steps: Staff will bring the companion site plan and design review to the commission at second reading and continue to work with the developer on conditions and permitting.